what's it for ??

tinlizzie23 · 05-28-2012, 04:35 PM

When we used our accessory outside gas grille this past weekend (the one that hangs on the side of the trailer at the front passenger side corner), I discovered a female electrical plug hanging down about 4 inches from the same hole that the LP gas pipe comes out of. It has four wires, looks like 16 gauge or so, and colors are red, blue, green, and brown. Does anyone out there have an idea what this plug may be for ? Trailer is a 2004 Designer Medallion 29RLTS 5er.

**norty1** · 05-28-2012, 07:47 PM

Sounds like possibly lights for a trailer or some DC lights? Is it that close to back of the trailer?

Someone must have added it.

clutch · 05-28-2012, 10:06 PM

If the trailer has or has had a hitch on it the plug may be for a trailer.

tinlizzie23 · 05-29-2012, 03:23 AM

This plug is near the front of the trailer, under the passenger side front corner. That would be a long reach for a rear trailer (about 30 feet). Yes, there is a factory "hidden hitch" on the back for bike racks and such, but warning tags to never tow a trailer with it. Doesn't look like it has ever been used.

The plug comes out the same hole as the LP gas connection for the outside BBQ grill, but there is no need for any electricity there. Really a mystery to me.

One other thing - there is a generator prep compartment nearby in the front (no gen actually there), but all the connection wiring for the gen seems to be inside that compartment, and the wires in the plug are too small for a gen anyway . . . . . . .

**norty1** · 05-29-2012, 06:46 AM

Any way to ask the previous owner?

tinlizzie23 · 05-29-2012, 07:25 PM

That is a thought, norty1. If I can find his info, he might be able to shed some light on this. Will certainly give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion.

barrelslime · 06-04-2012, 08:22 PM

post a pic of the plug please

Murphie · 06-04-2012, 11:41 PM

With the gauge being that small, and colors being what they are, and the fact it is a female plug, here is my guess.

The prior owner may have had a external water tank in his truck, or on the ground. The wires would explain the gauge, the colors, and why it's a female plug. Open up the level monitor and do a continuity test.

tinlizzie23 · 06-05-2012, 07:17 PM

I will try to post a picture this weekend, as my work schedule has me gone before daylight, and home after dark. Kinda hard to get a photo until I can do it in daylight.

Murphie - not sure what gauge you are referring to. There is no gauge - just a bundle of 4 wires terminating in a female plug.

Murphie · 06-05-2012, 11:47 PM

Tinlizzie23. Sorry for not explaining. I mean " with that size of wire used" you mentioned 16 gauge wire. Hope this makes better sense now.

It was just a guess, but I thought it might plug into a set of wires that monitor tank levels on a holding tank. I thought that the prior owner may have had it at a permanent site. He could measure the fluid levels of a external tank using the set of four wires connecting to probes at the tank.

I've chanced hundreds of ballasts and they also use four 16 gauge wires aside from the hot and neutral. But the colors are usually two yellow and two red. That is why I thought it was used for monitoring tanks because they used those colors you described.

**norty1** · 06-06-2012, 02:57 AM

Seems like the previous owner did not have a clue what they were either?

You theory of a remote tank monitor is a possibility. Tracing them may be the only solution.

tinlizzie23 · 06-06-2012, 03:34 AM

Murphie - I was really tired last night when I read your post. Should have known that you were referring to wire gauge rather than an actual gauge. Sorry. This morning your idea makes sense as a definite possibility. Agree that I really need to get down and dirty and trace the wires to know for sure.

tinlizzie23 · 06-08-2012, 08:34 AM

Here are a couple of photos of the plug in question. Have tried to trace the wires, which disappear into the rear wall beside the generator connection box, but have not been able to find them among the wires on the other side of that wall (inside the basement compartment). They must go up through the floor somewhere out of sight, but have not found them in any of the cabinets yet.

barrelslime · 06-09-2012, 01:33 PM

tinlizzy
That is a sealed auto connection called a Deutsch Connector. I have on idea what it is for but Im gonna keep thinking about this one???????????

**Crabman** · 06-09-2012, 01:39 PM

That`s where you plug in the flux capacitor!

dzwiss · 06-09-2012, 06:41 PM

If you have been operation your trailer without the flux capacitor you have been living on borrowed time. Plug it in ASAP!

tinlizzie23 · 06-09-2012, 07:03 PM

OK, guys, my flux capacitor is in the shop for an upgrade. It was getting a little age on it, so I decided to risk it and go camping without it. Nice pic of the FC, Crabman - mine looks exactly like it, except some of the lights are green. That's why it's in the shop, as the upgrade will make them all blue.

Barrelslime - what is a Deutsch connector used for, in general ? I never heard the term, but is sounds German. Please educate us all on this type of wiring connection.

Thanks

nylyon · 06-09-2012, 07:10 PM

Maybe it's for an intercom? Some states allow riding in a 5th, but you must have communications between the trailer and truck. Perhaps this is the connection for that?

tlhdoc · 06-09-2012, 09:20 PM

The connectors are used for electrical connections lights, fans, radios, etc. My guess would be a grill light or a radio. Another thought maybe to charge the TV's battery from the generator?

barrelslime · 06-09-2012, 10:01 PM

You guessed it, A Deustch connection is German and a water proof sealed electrical connection. They are expensive connections. Used in the automotive world for years, and they are widely used on motorcycles and boats, where water is able to get to most parts of the vehicle and of course the electical connections need to be protected from water and moisture. The wires in the picture are certainly 12 volt wires so I still trying to figure this one out.

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